Fay continues her dump-fest

Central and northern Florida are still playing rain barrel to Fay's huffing and puffing. The major damage appears to be more from the tornadoes spawned, than from any storm surge or general wind damage from a direct hit. All part of the season, all part of living in Florida. The beneficial side is that she's replenishing a lot of draught-affected areas, and will continue to do so as she moves into the lower Southeast US. People who were booked at Disney World or other Florida attractions this week are wishing for sunshine, that's for sure. It's hard enough dragging young 'uns around theme parks when the weather is nice, but when it's raining sideways, the wind is blowing rides off their tracks, lightning is crashing all around and there are tornado warnings everywhere, it makes you think about re-working your schedule for next year.

Obviously some folks have to travel during hurricane season, while others choose to do so because of monetary savings. We always recommend increasing your chances of beating the storms, by choosing the right vacation package. Cruise ships are mobile, so they can avoid storms for the most part and there are still plenty of family activities on board. Or you may consider flying down to Aruba, Bonaire or Curacao in the Netherland Antilles -- those island are so far south (just above South America), they're all but immune to hurricanes. Another choice is Alaska. Hurricanes are warm-water events, and they simply can't travel that far north in the Pacific. Alaska used to be thought of as a Senior Citizen's destination, but many of the cruise lines have added tons of adventure excursions which are great for families, or adults of any age. How about traversing a rain forest zip line, surrounded by amazing scenery? If you want to drive your own dog sled, you can go to mushers camp and learn all about it. Or do a glacier river float trip. Take in a Lumberjack Show! There's always whale-watching and various types of sport fishing, where you'll get up-close-and-personal with some aquatic friends. Sea kayaks are another excellent adventure choice. And the ones I've mentioned are just the tip of the -- well, you know.

Sad news, the Second City comedy club in Las Vegas has closed for the moment. Of course the Chicago, Toronto, Detroit and LA locations remain open and rip-roaring fun, but one of the best values in Vegas has taken a hiatus. Hopefully another hotel will pick them up and supply a larger room that will allow them to reach their full potential. If you don't know Second City, you absolutely know its alumni -- by the dozens. If you've never done one of the 2 original cities, Chicago or Toronto, they are fabulous vacation spots....and yes, both are unaffected by hurricanes! We can arrange those trips for you as well, and Cap'n Bob can even recommend a few extra insider tidbits of info, to make your trip even more special. Here are some alumni:

http://www.secondcity.com/?id=history/alumni/chicago
http://www.secondcity.com/?id=history/alumni/toronto

Now I have to share a pet peeve. Network television lost its backbone a few years ago, and now they think we need teasers to keep us watching their shows. I always try to grab the remote and hit the mute button, or at least stick my fingers in my ears, close my eyes and say "Na na na na na" for 30 seconds, but sometimes you can't help but SEE the darned thing by accident. I've only been watching ER for a decade. Now that they've told me the plot of the 1st episode, and ruined some of the main surprises of the season, AND told me this is the final season and the show is going away, so there (sticking their collective tongue out at us)......well, maybe I'll take the hint and just start watching something else now! If you have so little confidence in your product - particularly in a flagship show that's been around for years - it must not be good enough to warrant me watching it on my own (me being an adult and making my own choices and all). So to all my bloggees, bloggettes, and bloggisimos, let's do this.....when ER comes on this season for the first episode, NOBODY WATCH! Tell your friends -- email your enemies -- call your mechanic -- carry signs outside large sporting events. Let's organize the first boycott of the Networks' insulting of our intelligence. That would be great -- the Nielsen ratings come back, and ER had a .000000000000000000012 share (3 people in Guam tuned in). Let's do it, peoples!!